Alternative idea for Balsam District presented

Ridgecrest resident Alexander Kubaiski presented an option for the Balsam District project during Tuesday's Old Town Action Plan committee meeting.

By Jack Barnwelljbarnwell@ridgecrestca.com

Ridgecrest resident Alexander Kubaiski presented an option for the Balsam District project during Tuesday's Old Town Action Plan committee meeting.

Kubaiski, a graphic artist, highlighted the idea of a potential pedestrian plaza on Balsam Street that would involve closing off the street from Argus to a half-block before Ridgecrest Boulevard.

The goal he said was to encourage foot traffic and provide an area for people to walk about. The concept also includes an open plaza with a building at Argus Street.

"I see something that is truly feasible that depends on the work on a building, and it is as feasible as moving a chair one way or another," Kubaiski said.

Ridgecrest Mayor Pro Tem Jason Patin said while he liked the idea, it had been broached by the committee in the past with less-than-enthusiastic feedback from merchants on Balsam Street.

One of the problems was loss of business gained from car traffic.

"They seemed more concerned with the one or two people that park in front of their store than the possibility of gaining hundreds of new customers," Patin said.

Another issue was a lack of funding, something Patin said the city lacked.

Kubaiski said if the bottom line penciled out, he would move forward in handling the fundraising.

"I'll find the developers, I'll find the builders and I'll find the money, just help me out with zoning," he said, in part referring to City Planner Matthew Alexander.

Kubaiski said the plan had potential, if it decided to pick up the ball and run with it.

"You have something here that is committed unlike nothing I've ever seen before," Kubaiski said. "You've got to capitalize on this little town and make it ground zero for being the best little town in California."

(Correction: This version updates the print version on the day the OTAP meeting was held. The meeting was held Tuesday night, not Wednesday night.)